The defending champions were largely regarded as the most formidable opposition and coupled with the Red Devils' poor season so far, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that this spelt the end of their European adventure.

More importantly, the determined nature and much improved manner of the performance as compared to recent times would have restored much belief in the Old Trafford camp, after the way the season has gone for them so far.

It was a close call for Goal Singapore readers in a poll asking whether United could indeed come away from the Allianz Arena victorious, with a majority 52.6% tipping the Premier League champions to eliminate their German counterparts. The remaining 47.4% were less optimistic, indicating that Bayern would be too strong for United at home.

United will travel to Bayern for the return leg on April 10, with an away fixture against Newcastle United five days before that.